FRIDAY - HALLOWEEN/08

Overcast, attempting to clear, cool @2C, expected to rise into high single digits. Tonight a chance of showers with the wind shifting to the southard this afternoon. Ideal to get the little goblins through thier patrol and rain to keep the so called pranksters off the road.

Rob doing his thing with a peer group, then overnighting once the loot has been gathered. He is on the last of his participation for the candy I believe more than the costume by a long shot. Emily has a couple of White Headers joining her overnight and the Halloween thing. She was waffling whether to go or not, but buddies swayed her complete with costume.

Mom appears to have been successful transitioning to the Nursing Home. On the second day participating in the social activities ,reacquainting herself with old friends, learning the lay of the land. The staff continue to live up to thier reputation as a great caring and professional group.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30/08

Overcast, clearing westerly 10-15KPH, a cool 3C to remain single digits all day. Similar weather conditions in the offing for Halloween Eve.

The floor at the complex been ongoing the past couple of days. First pour 140 yards from 6AM-6PM quite a pour for our cement man, should be the last big one this time around for the complex. The concrete for the arena still not in a budget unfortunate not any use for this year, that area nearly complete, less the concrete.

The CAD took a big jump overnight, now at $.84 to the USD. Up from $.78 yesterday at the opening. Commidities must have taken a hike.

Starting to see a few of the traps on the move to the wharf, another annual cycle of life on the island is slowly getting in commence.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29/08

Nasty out there this morning, high winds from SSW gusts 65-70KPH, as daylight begins to enter the swanp, combined with rain squalls makes it a day to be inside. This pattern to clear today with cold weather behind it for Halloween.

Report by MEX from the UK does not harken well for upcoming lobster season. The quantity of lobster in the pipeline nothing to what it will be in three weeks. The lobster shipped overseas are usually highest quality and $10/lb in landed in UK must be a deal for the customer.

A few plans coming to light for Halloween, nothing to extreme - that we are aware of for sure.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28/08

Weather remains windy from SE @ 25-35KPH, continues to rain, temp a balmy 15C. Forecast suggesting that once this system moves through temp to drop bringing threat of snow to the NE.

Emily off school this morning, seems to be something going about, no complaint from Rob at this moment.

Two weeks from today traps go in the water, report from Alma is that price dropped from $4 to $3.50/lb in this the second week of thier season. The reason given for the drop is the quality of the lobster - soft shell rather than hardshell - this is met with some level of skeptimism from the guy on the water.

Mom moves tomorrow from the hospital to Nursing Home has been waiting since late June to enter the facility. She continues to be in good shape for the shape she is in, her diabetes requires constant monitoring otherwise she enjoys a good quality of life in her 91st year.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26/08

Red sky beginning to be overcome by overcast skies, temp a nice 13C, wind coming on with the sun now around 25-30KPH, giving strong winds and rain from south for next 24 hours.

Both kids out last night, Emily stayed on White Head, Rob down to Deep Cove. They both advise no homework in jeporday they will return later on today to insure that is the case. The homework overseer back on duty having returned yesterday afternoon.

Local fishery news remains centered on upcoming lobster season, nothing new to report.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25/08

Beginning to become overcast, wind from the south 5-10KPH. Temp 3C to rise mid teens as southerly gale force winds visit overnight into tomorrow. Lots of moisture in the offing clearing first of the week.

Donna returning to the fold this afternoon, not taking a chance on the weather. She has had a good few days of less hectic day to day goings on always good for any of us.

Emily on Whitehead till tomorrow, Rob at home having had a 'air soft war' with his cronies till dark. The war was impromptu got underway late, and not many combatants the plan was to arrange a battle today, but weather will get in the way.

In a couple of weeks lobster fishing begins, price still a big unknown. An area further up the bay opened at $4/lb past few years has been in the $5 plus range. Lots of product in the system at the moment, more when this area opens, supply and demand is the unknown.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24/08

A wow sunrise this morning, absolute calm, high tide, mackeral back cloud reflecting red with a huge red sun dog in the centre. Changes each time gawk out the window. Temp 2C, to rise to the double digits for today and tomorrow. Moisture later on in the weekend.

Donna watching weather for her return on Sunday, quite a bit of southerly in the forecast. However appears fast moving might be in and moved on by the time she plans on coming home.

Emily travelling to Whitehead again this weekend, at least one night possibly more. Rob has healed having to remain home yesterday because of 'flu like' symptons.

Our dollar still below $.80 this morning, oil took quite a tumble overnight now in $63(USD) range. Locally now$1.04/litre on the mainland in the $1.01/litre range. With the CAD where it is the U.S. price certainly has lost its lustre for savings as far was we are concerned.

THUSDAY, OCTOBER 23/08

Wind still from NE, blew hard all night appears to be diminishing at the moment, 20-25KPH down from near if not gale force for the past 24 hours. Temp a cool -2C with the wind now can consider windchill a part of the weather conversation. Clouds pretty well moved off sun for next few days.

Ferry made all her trips yesterday, going over probably not a great ride. Certainly better than it would be in a couple of months or so when the water becomes more dense.

Donna having a good time at YoHo, doing a little foray across to Houlton, Me. today. Cross Border not an option like it was a month ago, our CAD now at $.79, haven;t checked to see what the regulators have done with gas price for the upcoming week.

WEDNSEDAY, OCTOBER 22/08

Nasty weather as daylight enters the swamp this morning, overcast with rain in forecast for the day. Blowing a steady 50KPH from NE, temp 6C windchill bringing it down to near the freezing mark I'll bet. Rain to let up with sun for next few days, cool temps with a warming trend by weekend.

Brother vacated the island with the ladies just about the appropiate trip, the final one last evening would have been alright, this morning a different situation. Donna always enjoys her time at YoHo, the pace less hectic.

Our Dollar continues to take a dip at $.80 this morning. Commodities on decline, exploration and mineral stocks dropping along with energy. A dramatic change in just a very few weeks.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 20/08

Overcast, windy NE 20-25KPH, to stay in that area for the day. Temp 5C to rise near double digits as the day moves along. Moisture and wind in the forecast next few days.

Brother to take mom to St. Stephen appointment this morning, if it were a couple of months later probably wouldn't be making the trip. Donna planning on going back with them on Wed. wind in the offing quite abit higher may have to plan on tomorrow. The season has changed, travel dependant on wind conditions, how much and from what direction.

Fire still too hot once it gets going, the windows and doors have to be opened to make it livable due to the heat. That will change before too long, at least it is not fossil fuel.

Received a note from friend near Ottawa, gas down to $.95/litre over the weekend. Can't recall when fuel less that dollar.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19/08

A clear,cool, breezy morning, 5C wind from N 10-15KPH, sun is nice and bright, certainly a change of season looking morning. Similar weather in the longrange, more wind as the week moves along.

Eldest on the four brothers arriving afternoon for a couple of days, mom to go to St.Stephen for a doctors appointment so he will have tomorrow looked after doing that.

Have not seen any bait being landed or the seiners off North Head this past few days. The crew of the MISTRESS off this weekend to NFLD to return with the new vessel, a five day excursion once they leave there for here.

Rob out overnight, Emily babysitting this morning 0600HRS till early afternoon, a busy girl for sure.

The geothermal heating for the complex well on the way to being installed cement to be poured coming week. No further progress on finishing the arena, some NHL clubs have offered equipment, but no venue to put it too use.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18/08

Fall this morning, breeze from NW 10-15KPH, 5C for temp, lots of sun. Similar conditions for the next few days. Damp by middle of the week.

Both kids below decks overnight, Rob summonsed later on in the evening, but movies underway he opted to remain in his own lair.

Gas prices lowest since Feb locally $1.08/litre a drop of at least $.32/litre in the past month or so. CAD seems to have leveled at $.85-6 to the USD. Any purchases orginating on the U.S. side now has a surchrge of approx. 19%, good if selling not so good is buying.

No change in the lobster news, no firm indication from the market place as how things will go by mid November when the local season opens.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17/08

Attempting to clear, after a night of rain, quite abit down, now 9C, a breeze from NW. Seasonal but clear conditions for next couple of days.

Duck hunting underway can hear some attempts coming across the harbour from Ross Island, have not seen many waterfowel probably they have moved to safer locales or staying away from shore. The lawn between the house and seawall becoming a victim of the geese, have to walk into the flock to have them move, then they just allow you room, dfficult to get them to take flight.

Deer coming onto the lawn definatly at night, now visiting at suppertime. The dog will get them underway otherwise they are quite content to watch the traffic go by, and not be concerned.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16/08

A different morning today, still calm, 7C, but overcast, with just a hint of the red sun attempting to show itself. Ground fog

Looking across to Ross Island the ground fog is patchy appears as isolated smoke in the trees just lying in one place, something Stephen KING might describe.

Uncertaintiy in the lobster sector ongoing, presently no demand for what lobster is available. The economic situation worldwide does not appear promising for quite sometime. A lot of concern being expressed, the lobster fishery remains the backbone of the local economy.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15/08

Another one of those spectacular sunrises over Ross Island, harbour oily calm, cool 4C. Looking nice for next little while, but temps to become 'seasonal' by the weekend, highs in single digits.

Great supply of chocolate on hand, will have no problem looking for a sugar rush for a couple of weeks at least. Kids on hand for a blowing out of candles, a piece of cake and gone to devour in thier respective dens.

Election did not change much another minority government, with a few more seats for the Conservative Party. Locally no change in the MP, THOMPSON has been representing the district for many years.

A few waterfowel in the harbour, notice some of the songbirds forming up ready to head south.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14/08

Another great sunrise over Ross Island, red sun making its way through the ground fog. Water warmer than the air makes for quite a site. Absolute calm, 5C, bright reflection off the harbour, quite a sight for sure.

Our Federal Election today, too close to call according to the pundits. Weather will co-operate for turnout, quite a contrast in systems campagain lasted 35 days the U.S. Presidential Election can't recall when it wasn't underway. The U.S. election generated more interest over the past month than ours, hopefully it is not apathy on our part.

Both children home, teachers have learning days this week, makes an extra long weekend for the kids. Rob has had two days of 'air soft war', getting low on ammo, probably sk8board today. Emily has had a couple of gigs babysitting, both quite content on how things have gone this weekend.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 13/08

Overcast, drizzle, calm, temp a cool damp 6C have a fire to get rid of the dampness. To warm up mid teens as the day moves along, long range a mixture of overcast and sun temps cooling.

Thanksgiving Dinner a feast as usual, the old folks enjoyed as we did having them join us. Kids even hung around after the meal to hear what was going on, at least for some of the time. A great weather day for certain, foilage bright as the leaves probably getting to thier max for coulour.

The CAD come back a penny overnight to the USD, one can oil price continues to move downward, seem to notice a bit more traffic as a result.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12/08

A bright sunrise again this morning, a slight breeze from NNW, temp 4C to rise mid teens, calling for a few showers possible tomorrow. Long range looking good at the moment.

Emily did not have to babysit last night, mother ill, however has a full shift this afternoon. Rob out again overnight to return to the fold by noon for the Thanksgiving gathering. Mom going to make the trip, a good thing, along with Donnas folks, not a large group as in times past. Emily and Donna spent the afternoon getting the menu prepared, Emily worked hard on the dessert along with vegetable preparation. They both had a grand time, Emily got a new appreciation for what transpires before a large meal iits the table.

Thermal heating pipe being placed in the ground, be great to get it done before the area becomes saturated from fall rain.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10/08

Another nice sunrise,calm with an ever so slight draft from the west. A nice 6C, looking for nice temps and sunshine for the Thanksgiving Weekend.

World economic situation still not settled, the ramifications are unknown at all levels. Our dollar has dropped to $.85 against the USD, a drop of over $.20 in the past year. The crossborder trips will certainly be curtailed as long as the dollar stays in that range.

Rob out overnight,Emily has two babysitting opportunities this weekend. Her bank account depleted for the computer anxious to get it back up to a more respectable level.

The holiday weekend appears to be co-operating to allow final preparation of the yard for the winter sleep.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10/08

Large red sun poking over Ross Island this morning, a brisk breeze from WSW @15-20KPH. Clear, forecast remains good for the holiday weekend.

Financial situation continues to decline, the dollar down to $.86 to the USD. A drop of at least a dime this past few days. The price of gas has gone down to $1.12/litre locally, diesel fuel remains high in relation @$1.34.

No definative information on how the financial situation will impact on the upcoming lobster season. Lobster is a premium purchase for most people, will be one of the first things to drop off buying when money becomes tough.

Election on the 14th unknown if a majority or another minority government in the offing.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9/08

Sun attempted to show, the overcast conditions won the battle this morning, a fair breeze from SW 15-20KPH, wind to intentsify as the moves along, a warm 12C with a high in the teens. After today sunny holiday weekend in the offing.

Donna picked up Rob at his music lesson last evening, he was playing the drums. The house and ears not big enough to hold his musical abilities, guitar going this morning at 0645HRS, no need for alarm clock.

Bait coming thick and fast, economic crisis starting to impact in the industry. The bigger players in the fishery have been largley financed by Icelandic banks, the credit required to operate not available for the operators, trickle down unknown.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8/09

Another nice sunrise this morning, red sun just peeking over Ross Island, a slight draft from WSW, enought to keep the flag moving. Temp 7C to rise into high teens this afternoon. Similar type forecast for next few days.

Ortho trip uneventful, a short unhurried tour of the boutiques afterward all that was required. A full trip in the morning, and also on return. Travellers are local, the tourist season done for this year.

As the complex is nearing completion more interest, however slight, is being generated. No plans to move forward on the arena floor, no funding has been identified to allow moving ahead.

World financial mess continues to downward, our dollar opening at $.90 on the USD. Quite a drop in a very shortime. The Crossborder Shopping getting into an area where not as attractive as a couple of weeks ago.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7/08

Clear, calm, cool @ 5C temp, no frost here, but warning on the mainland. High into low double digits for today and remainder of the week.

Ortho trip this morning, Emily and her mother making the trip I amthe driver. Will no doubt have a look around to insure we are not missing any sale opportunity at one or two of the malls.

Cool in the morning, but still no requirement for a wood fire as yet. A little electric heat to take the edge off, then the sun holds the house temp for the day. Won't be too long before the fire will be a part of the morning routine once again.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 6/08

Clear, calm, 7C temp for a high barely into double digit in the forecast. Sunrise over Ross Island spectacular with red sun and mill pond reflection in the harbour, impressivie to say the least. Long range still looking good, sun moderate temps.

Fishery front remains focused on lobster preparation, bait coming in good amounts. Most of the fellows have at least a start, appears to be more interest in fresh frozen than in the past.

Hunters returned over the weekend, hunt not very successful the river very high, food source for the birds underwater. The accomodation was superior so the change of venue from previous years a mixed success.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4/08

Calm, beautiful sunrise, a cool 5C forecast suggesting barely into the double digits for a high. Long range giving lots of sun for next week, certainly will take it.

More bait on the move yesterday, have no idea if they are landing with full trips or not, any is a help by this time.

Emily out overnight once again, have no seen her since I dropped her off at school on Friday morning. Rob quiet, must have been super bored yesterday got his homework done with no prompting, usually a last minute struggle.

Lawn will need one more mowing before it goes to sleep, will wait until can capture some leaves in the bag. Leaves turning quickly, very few with the exception of the poplars have dropped as yet.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3/08

Another one of those great uniquw sunrises over the Harbour, red glow then the red sun harbour absolute calm, can watch the tide coming into the harbour similar to the flow of a river, calm, 8C.

Marilyn safely returned to Winnipeg, left Moncton 0615 landed home less than six hours later with a layover in Toronto, less time than it took for us to get her to Moncton and return home.

No word on the hunting results as yet, other than the B&B is great. This morning would be a great hunting morning if it resembles this sunrise we are enjoying.

See some bait coming ashore yesterday will hardly make a dent in what is required. The economic woes across the border one has to wonder what impact that will have on the lobster fishery. Moosehead has laid off fifty as a result of weak sales of premium beer mostly in the U.S. market.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2/08

Marilyn well on her way back to the prairie by this time, would say she got the best of the weather while she was here. Visits of good and longtime friends, as always move along much too quickly.

Ferry loaded both trips we were on yesterday,the 5:30 left at least five vehicles in Blacks. The parking lot filled up early we were in the third row of vehicles at 4:30PM.

Fuel price on the mainland in the $1.20/litre locally at $1.22. The weekly regulated price to change last night at midnight, forcasting a signifigant increase in heating fuel, with a drop in gasoline, will soon know.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1/08

Calm, ground fog visible this morning, 11C calling for a few showers before the day is done. By the end of the week looking for some half decent sunny weather.

A quick trip to Moncton in the offing, drop Marilyn at brothers and return for the five thirty. They had a tour of the island yesterday, a great opportunity to look across the channel into Maine, one of those days that only fall can produce.

On the way home last night appeared as if some seining activity off Woodwards Cove may have been underway. Hopefully will be an installment of the bait requirement,getting closer to setting day, this year 11th NOV, which will be upon us before one can think about it.